'89 B2, manual trans going... HELP!
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
'89 B2, manual trans going... HELP!
I originally posted this in the transmission forum, and no one responded. So here it goes here!
My friend has a '89 Bronco 2, and the manual tranny is about to go. Going down the road in fourth gear, you can feel it kinda slip out and go clunk every so often, unless you hold the shifter with your hand. In addition, it makes lots of noise. Also, there is a junkyard close to him with loads of good A4LD's. One I know of is in my old '86 Bronco 2. I know the guy that runs the junkyard, and could get it for a good price. How hard would it be to swap this into his '89? They are both 4x4. Any help is appreciated, as I dont know how much longer his will last.
My friend has a '89 Bronco 2, and the manual tranny is about to go. Going down the road in fourth gear, you can feel it kinda slip out and go clunk every so often, unless you hold the shifter with your hand. In addition, it makes lots of noise. Also, there is a junkyard close to him with loads of good A4LD's. One I know of is in my old '86 Bronco 2. I know the guy that runs the junkyard, and could get it for a good price. How hard would it be to swap this into his '89? They are both 4x4. Any help is appreciated, as I dont know how much longer his will last.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Vestal, NY
'89 B2, manual trans going... HELP!
Depends on what shifter you want mounted, and the condition of the radiator. You would need EVERY piece of the Tranny, cooling lines, shifter, drive shaft (I think they were different at the tail) and probably the cross member too. Better option would be an aftermarket cooler.
Sounds like a lot, but heck, compared to mounting a 5.0 L into a Mazda RX4, that would be a walk in the park. Yes, My dad and I did put a 5.0L in a Mazda RX4. Top speed was about 90MPH, but keeping your head off the head rest until you got there was real tough.
Never timed it in the 1/8th mile, but am certain it would have done well.
We sold it before either one of us got ourselves killed in it.
Sounds like a lot, but heck, compared to mounting a 5.0 L into a Mazda RX4, that would be a walk in the park. Yes, My dad and I did put a 5.0L in a Mazda RX4. Top speed was about 90MPH, but keeping your head off the head rest until you got there was real tough.
Never timed it in the 1/8th mile, but am certain it would have done well.
We sold it before either one of us got ourselves killed in it.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Vestal, NY
'89 B2, manual trans going... HELP!
I would think it would be a bolt in at that point, and would be willing to attempt it. Best if the donor was within 20 feet of the recipient.
Something else I heard, but have not verified...
I am told the A4LD main case has the same dimensions and bolt patterns at the bellhousing and the tail shaft as a C4. If this is true, then swapping a C4 for the A4LD would also be a bolt in after the bell and tail were mounted. The advantage is that the C4 was designed for an 8 cylinder (302 cu.in. or 5 Liter depending on how you look at it). The C4 is a bit more rugged than the A4LD, especially if you add an aftermarket shift kit and cooler.
I'm certain there are websites and information out there on this. If I run across information related to the swap, I'll post it.
Now...
For the dreamer in your friend, there are kits to mount a 5.0 in that Bronco...Kits to mount 351 Cleveland Heads to the 5.0 block...start out at about 400 HP with stock block and heads...bore and stroke, mill heads...Blower...Injection...and then try to keep the wheels from spinning!
Something else I heard, but have not verified...
I am told the A4LD main case has the same dimensions and bolt patterns at the bellhousing and the tail shaft as a C4. If this is true, then swapping a C4 for the A4LD would also be a bolt in after the bell and tail were mounted. The advantage is that the C4 was designed for an 8 cylinder (302 cu.in. or 5 Liter depending on how you look at it). The C4 is a bit more rugged than the A4LD, especially if you add an aftermarket shift kit and cooler.
I'm certain there are websites and information out there on this. If I run across information related to the swap, I'll post it.
Now...
For the dreamer in your friend, there are kits to mount a 5.0 in that Bronco...Kits to mount 351 Cleveland Heads to the 5.0 block...start out at about 400 HP with stock block and heads...bore and stroke, mill heads...Blower...Injection...and then try to keep the wheels from spinning!
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
'89 B2, manual trans going... HELP!
Hmm. I'll have to look into that. With the amount of rust on this thing, and the fact that we're both college students, I dont think any 8 cylinders are going in there. The idea here is cheap. However, I do think it would be a good idea with the C4, if it does bolt in. The reason is the computer, and I dont think the C4 is a computerized (correct term?) transmission, and I think the A4LD is, to some degree. If I got the computer from the '86, it had EGR, so that wouldn't work on the '89 without EGR. I am thinking that if I use the C4, I could get away with keeping the computer thats in it. Ideas, thoughts?
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Vestal, NY
'89 B2, manual trans going... HELP!
College+tuition=no money...for a while, anyway.
You might be right about the computer.
Another reason to have the donor close by. Something I found out when I was working on my wife's '88... There were pieces of original wiring harness looped up and stuffed under the dashboard for optional equipment that wasn't installed. I bet if you do a little investigation, you might just find the wiring for the automatic already there (wouldn't that be sweet?). You would only need to "trade" computers...
Best if you call your local Ford dealer, and politely needle the service technicians for assistance. These days, dealers cannot afford to short change anyone for anything, and they know it.
I stopped at our local dealer often and spoke with them at length on different things. Stopping by the local donut shop on the way can result in the cheapest, best information transfer money can buy.
They'll actually look forward to your visits too. Call them first to see how busy they are, and time your visits to occur during slow periods.
You might be right about the computer.
Another reason to have the donor close by. Something I found out when I was working on my wife's '88... There were pieces of original wiring harness looped up and stuffed under the dashboard for optional equipment that wasn't installed. I bet if you do a little investigation, you might just find the wiring for the automatic already there (wouldn't that be sweet?). You would only need to "trade" computers...
Best if you call your local Ford dealer, and politely needle the service technicians for assistance. These days, dealers cannot afford to short change anyone for anything, and they know it.
I stopped at our local dealer often and spoke with them at length on different things. Stopping by the local donut shop on the way can result in the cheapest, best information transfer money can buy.
They'll actually look forward to your visits too. Call them first to see how busy they are, and time your visits to occur during slow periods.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
'89 B2, manual trans going... HELP!
> there is a junkyard close to him with loads of good A4LD's
IMO, any vehicle with a A4LD makes it to the junk yard when it goes and the people find out it cost $1400 for a rebuilt. Plus, if a motor blows (overheats), the A4LD usually follows in short order. A used A4LD is like putting a revolver to your head with three barrels loaded.
Think about this. Reading this board you know A4LDs have a tendency to not last as long as other transmissions. This guy has a load of good A4LDs. I suppose if I had a load of A4LDs that noone wanted, they might start to all look good too
I think you should find a good used manual from a BII (direct swap) or better a 4.0 Ranger (take the flywheel and starter) and skip the A4LD idea.
If you drive it an additional 30K miles, the mileage difference between the 5 spd (18+) and AT (15+) will be about 330 gallons of gas. Or $500.
The thing is when the A4LD goes, it will most likely be sudden and unexpected. At least when your manual goes, you can get by holding it into 4th gear or just changing the clutch. You know what I mean?
I did not see this mentioned.
It is noisy all the time.
-----------------------------------------------?
Have you checked the fluid level???
-----------------------------------------------?
Have you tried changing it (cheap $10) and making sure the vent tube is working?
IMO, any vehicle with a A4LD makes it to the junk yard when it goes and the people find out it cost $1400 for a rebuilt. Plus, if a motor blows (overheats), the A4LD usually follows in short order. A used A4LD is like putting a revolver to your head with three barrels loaded.
Think about this. Reading this board you know A4LDs have a tendency to not last as long as other transmissions. This guy has a load of good A4LDs. I suppose if I had a load of A4LDs that noone wanted, they might start to all look good too
I think you should find a good used manual from a BII (direct swap) or better a 4.0 Ranger (take the flywheel and starter) and skip the A4LD idea.
If you drive it an additional 30K miles, the mileage difference between the 5 spd (18+) and AT (15+) will be about 330 gallons of gas. Or $500.
The thing is when the A4LD goes, it will most likely be sudden and unexpected. At least when your manual goes, you can get by holding it into 4th gear or just changing the clutch. You know what I mean?
I did not see this mentioned.
It is noisy all the time.
-----------------------------------------------?
Have you checked the fluid level???
-----------------------------------------------?
Have you tried changing it (cheap $10) and making sure the vent tube is working?
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
'89 B2, manual trans going... HELP!
Theres a reason the junkyard is full of A4LD's. All the manual trannys have been taken. I took the last one for my brothers truck. I think the idea with the C4 is a good one, as this way I wouldn't have to mess with the computer. I told him to change the fluid about 2 weeks ago, dunno if he did it yet or not. Honestly, with the amount of noise and shifter movement that this thing makes, I dont think any amount of new fluid will help it. Only delay the inevitable. Plus, from my limited experience, I have found the A4LD to be MUCH more reliable than the manual trans. My old '86 B2 went thru @^*% and the trans never gave me one problem. The engine died because of FRAM filters, but I was younger and stupid then. Oh well. Can anyone help with the C4 info?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski